Picture the biggest dog you’ve ever seen in real life. Is the dog almost as big as the person who was walking it? Did the pup have triangular ears and a little drool coming out of its jowls? You might just be visualizing the majestic Great Dane breed dog. 

If you’re an animal lover like us, you can see the beauty of these gentle giants. Though they can easily outweigh their human counterparts, you’ll find the personality of Great Dane breed dogs doesn’t quite match their larger-than-life presence. 

Physical Traits

Great Danes are a breed all their own (pun intended). They are one of the largest dog breeds, weighing a whopping 110 to 175 pounds and standing up to 32 inches tall when they’re fully grown. The breed truly is a sight to behold and has even been dubbed the “Apollo of Dogs”. 

Aside from their massive size, Great Danes are best known for their big, triangular ears that are either floppy or tape-trained to stick up. These pups are also famous for their drooly jowls, athletic gait, gigantic paws, and commanding bark. 

Do Great Danes shed? Yes, Great Dane breed dogs have smooth, short coats that shed moderately throughout the year. Shedding will get heavier once or twice a year, but can easily be maintained with weekly brushings. 

One of the best parts about Great Dane puppies is their variety of colors. These pups seem to come in every shade of fur, from black and white to brindle. We personally love a Harlequin Great Dane with their Dalmatian-like spotted coat. 

Temperament & Training

Don’t be fooled by their powerful bark–Great Danes are really just big teddy bears that love to cuddle and sleep. Friendly, social, and welcoming are all accurate ways to describe these pups’ personality. 

From strangers on the street to playful young kids, Great Danes treat everyone like their best friend. That’s why these pups are some of the best dog breeds for families with kids. 

A friendly dog isn’t a bad thing, but people are more likely to be okay with your Great Dane if they have good manners, too. Prioritize training sessions with your pup and help them master basic obedience commands as early as you can. 

Early training is essential for Great Dane puppies–no one wants a human-sized dog jumping into their arms unexpectedly. There’s a chance your Great Dane puppies could soon outweigh you, so train them while they’re small. Danes are a highly trainable breed, just try to keep up with consistent practice. 

Exercise & Training

As a general rule, the bigger a dog is, the more exercise they require. Great Danes actually have moderate exercise requirements. Their giant bodies need regular activity to stay healthy but Danes also shouldn’t be putting too much stress on their joints. 

A brisk daily walk is enough to help them stay in shape. Engaged playtime with Great Dane puppies is another great way to keep them active. Avoid intense hikes or runs for the first 2 years of your Great Dane’s life–too much joint stress could impact their growth. 

Great Dane Lifespan & Health

Every dog breed comes with its own average lifespan, health risks, and downsides. The main drawback here is that the Great Dane lifespan is only around 7 years. That’s about half the average lifespan of other breeds, so it’s a tough pill to swallow. 

Great Dane puppies grow at a rapid rate to fit into their giant adult bodies. Faster growth puts strain on their bones, joints, heart, and bodies as a whole. Don’t let this stop you from welcoming a Dane to your home. You can absolutely extend the lifespan of your pup with proper nutrition, exercise, and regular vet visits. 

As for health issues, Great Dane breed dogs are more at risk for the following conditions:

• Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)): When the stomach twists and fills with gas. Leaving untreated can have life-threatening consequences. 

• Hip/Elbow Dysplasia: Abnormal growth of the hip joint that causes pain and mobility issues. 

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): A heart disease that enlarges and weakens the heart. If this is a concern, avoid grain-free dog food at all costs. 

• Eye disease: Cataracts, entropion, and cherry eye are all common breed diagnoses. 

What’s the best dog food for Great Danes?

Curious about the nutrition needs for Great Danes? These pups do best on a diet that supports their rapid puppy growth and joint health throughout adult life. We also want to avoid grain-free dog food recipes to reduce the risk of developing DCM. 

Sundays for Dogs meets all these requirements and is great for Great Danes (pun intended). Every Sundays’ dog food recipe is made with real meat, whole grains, and 100% human-grade ingredients. Plus, it’s AAFCO-approved dog food for dogs of all ages–even growing Great Dane puppies. 

Large breeds are prone to joint and heart issues, but Sundays combats that with the power of whole food ingredients. Pumpkin, turmeric, and other superfood ingredients support your Dane’s body as they age gracefully. See what Sundays dog food can do for your Great Dane and try a trial box today!